Leslie Kerby

My practice explores the sociological contexts of personal identity from different vantage points. I draw from my environment to look at the ways in which we identify ourselves as individuals, as others perceive us, within the context of a family and on the larger stage of a global society. Looking at identity as a “cultural currency” that we may choose to re-imagine from time to time, I create narratives to investigate what lies beneath the surface of an encounter or situation. I am energized by subjects that are as idiosyncratic, imperfect, improvisational and rhythmic as life, that provide the viewer a lyric that doesn’t feel short-lived—merely commentary. Along with portraits, I explore issues related to identity, gender, community, politics, new definitions of family and family dynamics when faced with death and inheritance.